Bangkok: Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the results of a crucial investigation into the Consumer Protection Board’s oversight of online businesses will be available within one week.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jiraporn confirmed the integrity and independence of the committee tasked with examining the Consumer Protection Board’s (CPB) actions. The committee, chaired by Mr. Chatpong Jiraphan, a Senior Public Prosecutor known for his honesty, comprises external members not affiliated with the CPB. This setup aims to ensure an unbiased investigation and restore public confidence in the CPB.
The committee’s investigation was initiated amid concerns that certain influential figures, referred to obliquely as ‘Boss Paul,’ might escape accountability. To address these concerns, the committee was divided into two subcommittees: one focusing on gathering factual evidence and another on reviewing legal frameworks under the CPB’s purview. These subcommittees are exp
ected to propose any necessary legal adjustments and enhance inter-agency collaboration to streamline operations.
Ms. Jiraporn emphasized the broader role of the Royal Thai Police in dispensing justice efficiently, with contributions from various agencies including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The CPB is also collaborating closely with these bodies to ensure thorough investigations, especially concerning financial transactions handled by The Icon Group, a company implicated in the ongoing probe but whose full investigation was preempted by arrests.
The findings of this investigation are poised to clarify the CPB’s role and effectiveness in regulating online businesses, potentially leading to significant reforms in consumer protection practices in Thailand.